Advice vs Advise
Advice with a C is the noun — the actual guidance someone gives. Advise with an S is the verb — the act of giving guidance. The C-versus-S spelling marks the part of speech, and English does this same trick with several similar pairs (practice/practise in British English, license/licence).
Last reviewed on 2026-04-27.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Advice | Advise |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun | Verb |
| Spelling | -ce ending | -se ending |
| Sound | "ad-VICE" with /s/ at end | "ad-VIZE" with /z/ at end |
| Example | She gave good advice. | I advise you to wait. |
| Function | Names the thing | Names the action |
| Conjugates | No (it's a noun) | Yes — advise, advises, advised, advising |
Key Differences
1. Different parts of speech
Advice is a noun. It's a thing — the guidance itself. "Her advice was helpful." "He gave me advice on choosing a school."
Advise is a verb. It's an action — the act of giving guidance. "I advise you to take the job." "The doctor advised her to rest."
2. Pronunciation
Advice ends with a /s/ sound — like the "ce" in "vice."
Advise ends with a /z/ sound — like the "se" in "wise." Saying them aloud usually distinguishes them, even though the difference is subtle.
3. Memory trick
Advice with a C — think of ice. Ice is a thing (a noun); advice is a thing.
Advise with an S — think of wise. To wise someone up is to advise them. The S marks the action.
4. Common patterns
Advice appears in noun positions: "some advice," "good advice," "a piece of advice" (note: advice is uncountable, so no "an advice").
Advise appears in verb positions: "I advise you," "she advises caution," "he advised them to be careful." Often followed by "to" + verb or by a recommendation.
5. The same trick in other words
British English does the same with practice/practise (noun/verb) and licence/license (noun/verb).
American English collapses these — "practice" and "license" cover both noun and verb. But "advice" and "advise" remain split in all varieties of English.
6. Common slips
"He gave me good advise." Wrong — should be "advice" (the noun).
"I would advice you to wait." Wrong — should be "advise" (the verb).
When to Choose Each
Choose Advice if:
- When the word is a thing: giving, receiving, taking, ignoring advice.
- Articles, expressions: "a piece of advice," "some advice," "good advice."
- Nouns describing the content: "his advice was practical."
Choose Advise if:
- When the word is an action: "I advise," "she advised."
- Verb positions: subject + advise + object + (to + verb).
- Past tense: advised; present participle: advising.
Worked example
"My lawyer's advice was simple, and she advised me to follow it." The first "advice" is a noun (her guidance). The second "advised" is a verb (the action of giving the guidance). Both words in one sentence; both forms doing different work.
Common Mistakes
- "They're interchangeable." Different parts of speech. Not interchangeable.
- "It's just British vs American." Both varieties of English keep advice and advise as separate words.
- "I gave him an advice." Advice is uncountable. Use "some advice" or "a piece of advice."